my parkeets are looking shabby

Question
I need help my boos  are not looking good?   i got them for chrismas  they eat  like a pig  but they are looking flakie like they need a brush to  comb them.   they talk alot  and  kiss each other they love each other  the cage is clean my house is clean  what should i do   to make them look more healthy    help ! shannen  they look  shaby and there freather our falling out they  do pick alot?  do u think they could have  mites?    are they normal and  how do i tell who the male and girl?  

Answer
Shannen,

If your parakeets are eating well, acting playful, and seem healthy then I don't think you have anything to worry about. It sounds as if your pets are moulting, it's a process where the old feathers fall out and are replaced by new ones. They look pretty bad, but it's totally normal. When the new feathers grow in they'll look normal again. If you are still concerned in a few weeks, of course you should take them to the vet, just to make sure everything's ok.

You can tell by the area around their nostrils whether they are male or female. The males will be deep violet in color(or a lighter bluish purple in young birds) and beige or tan (or light pink in young birds) if your pet is a female.

I hope I was able to help, if you have any follow-up questions just let me know!

Angel